Tower Topics

Are Kings Island's season pass benefits quietly changing—and what does "terms are subject to change" really mean for passholders? In this episode of Tower Topics, Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr break down the latest changes impacting Kings Island memberships, Prestige Pass perks, and the growing frustration surrounding shifting benefits and guest expectations. They also dive into how past decisions cont...

The closure of Fun Spot Atlanta has coaster fans asking one huge question: what happens to ArieForce One? In this episode of Tower Topics, Don Helbig and Ryan Sir separate fact from fiction as they break down the viral rumors, media speculation, and real possibilities surrounding one of the world's most acclaimed roller coasters. Could ArieForce One actually be relocated to Kings Island, or is the...

What really goes into creating a spectacular theme park drone show? In this episode of Tower Topics, Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr take you behind the scenes at Holiday World's Holidays in the Sky to reveal how hundreds of synchronized drones work together to create breathtaking nighttime entertainment. From the technology and safety measures to the planning, programming, and fascinating myths surround...

Holiday World is making waves in 2027 with Cannonball, an innovative new hybrid water coaster that combines the thrills of a roller coaster with the excitement of a water ride! In this episode of Tower Topics, Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr break down everything revealed during Holiday World's official announcement, including exclusive insights from the construction tour, the ride's immersive Boulder Ca...

Did you know that Kings Island once offered elephant rides? In this nostalgic episode of Tower Topics, Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr take a fascinating look back at the forgotten Maxi Taxi attraction, where guests could ride real elephants through the park during the early 1980s. Discover the surprising history of this unique upcharge experience, how it connected to Kings Island's original safari era,...

Could Kings Island's iconic nightly fireworks spectacular be coming to an end? In this episode of Tower Topics, Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr dive into the future of one of the park's most beloved traditions, exploring how changing guest behavior, shorter evening stays, dining plan trends, and ongoing budget cuts across Six Flags could put the legendary nighttime show at risk. Is the fireworks display...

Kings Island's Halloween Haunt is undergoing another major transformation as Hotel St. Michel officially checks out for good. In this episode of Tower Topics, Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr discuss why one of Haunt's most immersive mazes is being retired, what could replace it, and the growing rumors surrounding a possible new Friday the 13th-themed haunted attraction. They also break down the evolution...

Take a nostalgic trip back to Rivertown as Tower Topics explores the forgotten legacy of Kenton Cove’s Keelboat Canal, one of the most beloved family attractions in Kings Island history. While legendary rides like Vortex, King Cobra, The Bat, and Son of Beast often steal the spotlight, this innovative log flume entertained more than 40 million riders during its 27-season run. Join Don Helbig and R...

Could a modern Vekoma coaster be exactly what Kings Island needs next? In this episode of Tower Topics, Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr dive into how Vekoma has transformed from its rough-and-tumble reputation into one of the most innovative coaster manufacturers in the amusement industry. From family launch coasters like Big Bear Mountain at Dollywood to cutting-edge tilt coasters and other next-generat...

Is Kings Island losing the attention to detail that once made it one of the premier amusement parks in the industry? In this episode of Tower Topics, Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr discuss a seemingly small incident—a bucket of spilled popcorn left outside the park’s security checkpoint for more than a day—and why it may point to larger concerns about cleanliness, staffing, guest experience, park operat...

Could Kings Island launch its own pin trading program inspired by Disney? In this episode of Tower Topics, Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr explore how Disney’s wildly popular pin trading culture became a guest favorite and discuss whether a similar collectible pin program could thrive at Kings Island. From limited-edition ride pins, event-exclusive releases, and anniversary collectibles to guest interact...

Could Kings Island benefit more from a groundbreaking water attraction than another roller coaster? In this episode of Tower Topics, Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr dive into Carowinds' newly announced record-breaking water ride and explore whether a similar investment could be the next big addition for Kings Island. From the future of Congo Falls and White Water Canyon to the park's current coaster line...

Could Six Flags memberships eventually replace traditional season passes? In this episode of Tower Topics, Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr break down the expansion of the Six Flags membership program to parks like Kings Island, Kings Dominion, Carowinds, Dorney Park, Knott's Berry Farm, and more. They compare membership pricing versus season passes, analyze monthly payment options, discuss the long-term...

Join Ryan and Don on this episode of Tower Topics as they review Kings Island’s 2026 live entertainment lineup, including the highly anticipated Brad Ross Magic Show and the park’s nightly fireworks, drone, and fountain spectacular. Ryan shares his honest impressions after seeing Brad Ross perform twice, breaking down the illusions, audience reactions, standout moments, and whether the show lives...

Step into the ultimate theme park debate as Tower Topics compares a one-day ticket to Epic Universe versus a Six Flags Prestige Pass that includes unlimited visits to parks like Kings Island and Cedar Point. Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr break down the value, quality, and overall experience of Universal’s groundbreaking new park, exploring immersive lands like Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World...

What’s coming to Kings Island in 2027? As the 2026 season gets underway and Phantom Theater: Opening Nightmare takes center stage, Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr break down their predictions for the park’s future, from potential entertainment expansions and restaurant upgrades to the long-discussed Vortex plot and the possibility of new rides, special events, and park improvements. Will Kings Island inv...

Ryan Suhr once swore he'd never buy a Kings Island Prestige Pass again after the frustrations of the 2023 season—but a dramatically lower price for 2026 changed everything. In this episode of Tower Topics, Ryan and Don Helbig break down their real-world experiences with the Kings Island Prestige Pass, including the single-use Fast Lane benefit, preferred parking, the VIP Lounge, merchandise discou...

Relive the golden age of Kings Island in this nostalgic episode of Tower Topics as Don Helbig, Ryan Suhr, and longtime season passholder Todd Robinson debate the park’s best era ever. From the unforgettable years of 1986–1990 featuring legendary rides like Vortex, King Cobra, Flight Commander, The Beast, and Amazon Falls, to iconic entertainment such as Celebration, Phantom Theater Encore, Fascina...

What would happen if new Six Flags CEO John Riley sat down with lifelong Kings Island fans for a real focus group discussion? In this episode of Tower Topics, Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr dive deep into the future of, discussing everything from park cleanliness, live entertainment, ride operations, guest service culture, staffing, and season pass value to the growing concerns about complacency within...

    Relive one of the most innovative moments in Kings Island history as Tower Topics dives deep into the legendary Backward Racer, the groundbreaking roller coaster experience that debuted Memorial Day Weekend 1982 and changed theme park thrills forever. Don Helbig and Ryan Sir explore how the iconic Racer became the world’s first full-length wooden roller coaster to run backward, the behind-the-...

King’s Island is rolling out brand-new food options for 2026, and some of the menu changes are turning heads across the theme park community! In this episode of Tower Topics, Ryan Suhr and Don Helbig break down the park’s latest culinary additions including Alfredo pasta at Grain & Grill, smoked chicken and baby back ribs at Coney Bar-B-Que, the new pimento cheese BLT at Brewhouse, and the deb...

Is Kings Island’s “green sheet” disability access system being abused — or misunderstood? In this episode of Tower Topics, Ryan Suhr and Don Helbig break down the heated debate surrounding accessibility accommodations at Kings Island, including allegations of guests exploiting the system for shorter wait times, concerns from disabled riders and families, and whether parks should move to systems li...

Adventure Express is celebrating 35 years at Adventure Express, and in this episode of Tower Topics, Ryan and Don Helbig break down why this underrated mine train coaster remains one of the most important rides in Kings Island history. From its legendary night rides and Adventure Port theming upgrades to its role as the perfect “first big coaster,” the duo explores the ride’s legacy, behind-the-sc...

In this episode of Tower Topics, Don Helbig and Ryan Suhr dive into the massive controversy surrounding Cedar Point’s decision to replace the legendary CoasterMania with a new, upcharged event called Morning Rush. The hosts break down the immediate fan backlash that forced the park into a swift "backpedal," pulling the event from social media within 24 hours of its announcement. Beyond the event d...

As the 2026 season begins at Kings Island, more fans are asking the same question: why are so many theaters sitting dark? In this episode of Tower Topics, Ryan and Don Helbig break down the decline of live entertainment at Kings Island, the impact of shuttered theaters on guest experience, and whether the park is losing the “full day” value that once made it special. From comparisons to Dollywood...